Daytrips

So many places to see, things to do, everything is within a few short driving miles, so hit the road, hire a boat, grab a bike, and enjoy all the treasures of Coastal Georgia, just waiting to be discovered!

Kingsland, Georgia Kingsland is known as Georgia's Island Connector for its central location, its closeness to Cumberland Island National Seashore, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and a host of other natural wonders and awesome attractions! Kingsland is about 45 minutes south of St. Simons, just off I-95 at Exits 3 and 6. You will find immediate access to approximately 1,200 rooms in nationally known hotels and motels, a full range of restaurants from fast foods to delicious coastal cuisine, and unique shopping and museums. Located on Georgia's historic Colonial Coast, some of the nation's oldest history is an integral part of this area and Kingsland itself is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, contact the Kingsland Convention and Visitors Bureau. P.O. Box 1928, Kingsland, GA 31548. 912-729-5999 or 1-800-433-0225.

Cumberland Island National Seashore Cumberland Island was established as a National Seashore in 1972. Share your beachwalk on the wide, white beaches with wild ponies grazing amidst the windswept dunes. Inland, majestic live oak and palmetto forests provide shelter for a tremendous variety of coastal birds and animals. History buffs will be charmed by Cumberland¹s colorful past beginning about 4,000 years ago when the Indians lived there. In 1881, Thomas Carnegie, brother of financier Andrew, purchased an estate on the south end where ruins of "Dungeness" still stand. The ferry at St. Marys, I-95 at exit 3, makes 3 trips a day so you can stay half day or all day. Both ferry and camping reservations may be made up to eleven months in advance by calling (912) 882-4335.

Okefenokee Adventures "The Land of the Trembling Earth" is an easily accessible wilderness encompassing over 400,000 acres of canals, moss-draped cypress trees, and lily pad prairies. It provides sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and wildlife including several endangered species. Okefenokee Adventures is at the National Wildlife Refuge¹s eastern entrance in Folkston, Georgia. "Gator Holes" dot the lily pad prairies and exotic birds are often sited. Activities include sports fishing, canoeing, boating, camping, hiking, photography excursions, and picnicking. For more information call 1-866-843-7926 or contact the Kingsland Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-433-0225.

Darien & McIntosh County Darien is the second oldest planned city in Georgia. Take a tour starting at the riverfront boardwalk, travel out to the Ridge to see the picturesque Victorian-style homes of former timber barons or visit the 21,000 acre Altamaha Wildlife Management Area, a bird watching and photographic paradise. Fort king George, the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America, has been reconstructed using old records and drawings. A museum follows its history from Guale Indian days to 19th century sawmilling. In addition to the fort replica, remains of three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible. Located in Darien, three miles east of I-95 at exit 49, or turn right in downtown off Hwy 17 and follow the signs. 912-437-4770. Contact the Darien Welcome Center, 912-437-6684.

Sapelo Island Sapelo Island is Georgia's fourth largest barrier island. Sapelo's 16,000 acres are managed by the Department of Natural Resources which oversees the habitat of pine and hardwood forest, salt marsh, and more than two miles of wide, sandy beach. Over half of Sapelo's upland acres are designated the R.J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area, named for the Island's last private owner. DNR guided tours also focus on evidence of Sapelo¹s earlier inhabitants including tabby ruins of a sugar plantation , the R.J. Reynolds mansion, and the Gullah Community of Hog Hammock. Advance reservations for the ferry ride to Sapelo Island and the tour can be made by calling 1-912-437-3224.

Waycross, Georgia & The Okefenokee Swamp Park Visit a natural wonder that's known world-wide, the Okefenokee Swamp Park! Enjoy art and history at Okefenokee Heritage Center, Southern Forest World, and Obediah's Okefenok - a mid-1800's homestead featuring special events with living history demonstrations. Enjoy boating, skiing, golf, and nature trails at Laura S. Walker State Park. Waycross is an easy hour drive from St. Simons. For more information contact the Waycross Tourism and Conference Bureau, 315-A Plant Avenue, Waycross, Ga. 31501. 912-283-3744.